Unit of competency details

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 Research compliance with building and planning legislation for building access .

1.1 Effects of planning and construction legislation are investigated, interpreted and communicated to others throughout the design and construction of the building project.

1.2 Planning and construction effects of the BCA and construction requirements of relevant Australian standards on access are researched and documented.

1.3 Effects of state and territory legislation, local government and service supply authorities on design and construction for the provision of access are researched and documented.

1.4 Methods of construction and methods of classification  are identified and evaluated.

2 Record all relevant planning and construction information .

2.1 Building planning and construction information is determined and recorded using appropriate industry terminology and symbols.

2.2 All salient features  of a site concerning access, sufficient for the preparation of design and construction documents, are recorded.

3 Investigate and evaluate a site for the construction of an accessible building .

3.1 Types and principles of construction relevant to design and construction are identified and evaluated according to relevant building legislation .

3.2 Structural systems commonly used in buildings are reviewed and those relevant to the site are identified.

4 Inspect the construction site at appropriate intervals .

4.1 The project plan is obtained from the principal contractor in accordance with organisational requirements .

4.2 Trade sequencing points appropriate to the provision of access within buildings are identified and documented.

4.3 Access to the construction site is negotiated with the principal contractor in accordance with organisational requirements.

4.4 The construction is inspected at appropriate trade sequencing points in accordance with organisational requirements.

5 Evaluate construction standards and practices for access compliance .

5.1 Standards and practices for claddings, linings, finishes and coatings associated with buildings are identified and evaluated.

5.2 Standards and practices for window, door and joinery fabrication and installation are identified and evaluated.

5.3 Basic principles and integration of building services into the building are identified and evaluated.

5.4 Structural principles of loads, forces, stresses and strains applied in the design and construction of buildings are identified and evaluated.

5.5 Construction standards and practices for the installation of the building services are identified and evaluated.

5.6 Construction standards and practices relating to stair, balustrade and handrail construction are identified and evaluated.

5.7 Alternative approaches to construction are evaluated for access in accordance with relevant building legislation.

• analytical skills to:

• analyse, evaluate and apply legislative requirements pertaining to disability access
• analyse and evaluate the impacts of the full range of disabilities and the limitations that each disability places on the individual's ability to access the environment
• analyse and evaluate how environmental barriers impact on people with disabilities
• interpret and analyse routine and non-routine situations to establish suitable methods of reporting

• application skills to:

• apply relevant codes of practice and other legislative requirements to work processes
• apply disability awareness to work processes
• apply current Australian and international building codes, standards, regulations and practices

• communication skills to:

• explain clearly information on issues relating to the provision of access
• explain clearly information on legislation relating to the provision of access, and the relationship between the various pieces of legislation
• consult effectively with clients and colleagues
• impart knowledge and ideas through oral, written and visual means
• develop and maintain professional relationships and networks
• use workplace equipment and communication methods

• interpersonal skills to:

• relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
• consult and provide advice in a sensitive and appropriate manner
• facilitate change for greater awareness of disability access
• analyse own work practices and process outcomes critically
• engage colleagues and share disability access knowledge
• adapt to new workplace situations

• literacy skills to:

• assess and use workplace information
• locate and interpret legislation

• organisational skills to:

• prepare and manage documentation
• develop and implement organisational policies and procedures

• research and evaluation skills to:

• source, analyse and evaluate building legislative requirements
• source, analyse and evaluate legislative requirements for the provision of access.

Overview of assessment 

• This unit of competency could be assessed on its own or as part of an integrated assessment activity involving other competencies relevant to the job function.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

• A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of:

• recognising the needs and desires of people with disabilities to engage fully in all aspects of society, and their right to do so
• interpreting accurately the impacts of the full range of disabilities and the limitations that each disability places on the individual's ability to access the environment
• interpreting accurately how the full range of environmental barriers impact on any of the impairments that people with disabilities might have
• interpreting accurately construction methods used in existing buildings and new building work required to be accessible and documenting the findings
• identifying appropriate construction methods that comply with relevant building legislation
• complying with OHS regulations applicable to workplace operations
• applying organisational management policies and procedures, including quality assurance requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

• Resource implications for assessment include:

• a registered provider of assessment services
• competency standards
• assessment materials and tools
• suitable assessment venue/equipment
• workplace documentation
• candidate special requirements
• cost and time considerations.

• Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

• competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role
• where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice with a decision of competence only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's competence
• all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence
• where assessment is for the purpose of recognition (RCC/RPL), the evidence provided will need to be current and show that it represents competency demonstrated over a period of time
• assessment can be through simulated project-based activity and must include evidence relating to each of the elements in this unit.

Methods of classification  are:

• described in Part A of the BCA.

Salient features  may include:

• topography
• supply of services (e.g. water and sewerage)
• easements.

Relevant building legislation  may include:

• Australian standards
• BCA
• Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)
• DDA Premises Standard
• DDA Transport Standard
• international codes, standards, regulations and practices
• local government regulations
• state and territory building legislation.

Organisational requirements  may be outlined and reflected in:

• access and equity policy, principles and practices
• business and performance plans
• client service policies, procedures and standards
• codes of conduct and codes of practice
• communication channels and reporting procedures
• communication of services offered
• complaint and dispute resolution procedures
• compliance with legislation, codes and workplace standards
• continuous improvement processes and standards
• defined resource parameters
• duty of care
• employer and employee rights and responsibilities
• ethical standards
• legal policies and guidelines
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• organisational mission statement, goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• policies and procedures relating to the setting of fees and the negotiation and management of contracts

• policies and procedures relating to own role, responsibilities and delegation
• privacy and confidentiality policies and procedures
• quality assurance and procedures manuals
• records and information management systems and processes
• style guides and other guides used to prepare documents.